News

Because the media like nothing so much as actual news, Balcony writes press releases that look and read like real news stories. All of our senior people have worked extensively as journalists, which is why so much of what you’ll read below reads like actual travel writing.

GHM Plans Opening for The Chedi Sakala

Jun. 18, 2013

The Chedi Sakala on Nusa Dua

BALI, Indonesia — The most expansive resort to date by luxury hotel management group GHM is set to welcome its first guests on the tranquil beaches of Tanjung Benoa at the end of 2013.

Occupying 2.4 hectares of pristine coastline on the Nusa Dua Peninsula, the 261-room Chedi Sakala will be GHM’s third property to debut on Bali.

Located on the northern tip of the peninsula, a 30-minute drive from Kuta, The Chedi Sakala will feature 247 suites and 14 private one- and two-bedroom pool villas, two swimming pools, a wellness spa, health club and lagoon bar. A Kids’ Club will cater to youngsters, leaving parents free to explore the destination’s famous coastline, water sports and local attractions.

A capacious ballroom, top-notch catering service and four private dining areas with prime beachfront views will be on offer for corporate events and weddings. Neighbouring the resort grounds is Sakala Bali, a 150-seat contemporary French fine dining restaurant. Already operational, Sakala Bali and its outdoor tapas area maintain direct access to the Benoa beach.

Leading the group’s newest five-star venture as its general manager is seasoned Australian hotelier Evan Pavlakis. Pavlakis, who was in semi-retirement when approached by GHM to lead this development, had previously spent five years as GHM’s senior vice-president and served as general manager at The Leela Goa and The Lalu Taiwan.

“I have worked with Evan for many years and I am confident that his experience, knowledge and global network of contacts will be invaluable as he spearheads this landmark project,” said GHM President Hans R. Jenni.

Pavlakis brings more than four decades of international experience in the hospitality sector to his new post in Bali, including 26 years in general manager and vice-president positions with leading five-star hotel groups in locations such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia and China.

“I’ve managed hotels in some of the most talked-about corners of the globe; but there is an untouched beauty about this stretch of shore that is impossible to resist,” said Pavlakis. “Benoa is Bali at its best.”

The resort follows a well-known precedent set by GHM’s two acclaimed properties on the island, The Legian Bali in Seminyak and The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah in Ubud.

"Bali is an irresistible destination, both for travelers and hotel operators," said Jenni. "Though we're currently operating two other hotels on the island, with Sakala to debut at the end of the year, and a fourth to debut soon after, and yet a fifth on Nusa Penida under development, we have yet to fully tap our interest in the Island of the Gods."